The World’s Most Expensive Destinations: Here’s Where Travelers Spent the Most Money in 2024

It’s been a busy year for travel with globetrotters splashing a great deal of cash on exploring the world. But if you think you spent a lot on your vacation, take a moment to read through latest data from travel insurance  provider Squaremouth, which has just released a report on 2024’s most expensive destinations.

The eye-opening report not only dives into pricey places to visit, but it also reveals just how much luxury travelers are dropping these days on their getaways.

Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

What are the 10 costliest locations globally?

For starters, here are 2024’s 10 most expensive places to visit around the world and the average trip cost for each of these destinations, per Squaremouth data:

• Djibouti: $28,594
• Botswana: $18,734
• Antarctica: $17,599
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: $17,599
• Zimbabwe: $15,637
• Central African Republic: $14,960
• Tanzania: $14,229
• French Southern Territories & Antarctic Lands: $14,066
• Namibia: $13,550
• Kenya: $13,113
  

This year, travelers spent 34% more on trips to these 10 locations compared to any other countries.

How much are luxury travelers spending exactly?

Now for some additional jaw-dropping numbers. The Squaremouth report also reveals that over 15,000 travelers spent in excess of $82 million to visit the most expensive places around the planet. In addition, this year, Squaremouth saw a 43% increase in spending to pricey locals compared to 2023.

And drumroll please…the average individual trip cost to these destinations in 2024 was just over $16,000, a figure that is a significant 3.4 times more than the average traveler spent this year.

Let’s just underscore that last point: The average, individual luxury traveler is now spending a whopping $16,000 on their vacation. Or nearly as much as the cost of purchasing a new vehicle.

How long will the luxury travel bonanza last?

Before wrapping up, the Squaremouth report notes that “high travel costs” to the 10 destinations in its report have affected traveler behavior, with tourism to these locations down 27% in 2024.

Meanwhile, travel to destinations with an average trip cost of under $6,000 in 2024 has increased 18% over last year, says Squaremouth. (Not entirely surprising.)

Africa Remains among 2024’s Most Expensive Destinations

For more than 15 years running now, nearly half of the most expensive trips were to African nations.

Djibouti, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic and Tanzania were the five most expensive African countries to visit.

And Djibouti in particular has the highest trip cost increase of the most expensive destinations, more than tripling over last year.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

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